Build the Carolinas

Building tomorrow's skilled trades.

A gamified skilled trades pathway delivered through the Varsity Esports & STEM League (VESL) in partnership with ABC Carolinas. Designed to build an innovative workforce pipeline connecting high school students to careers in the skilled trades. Powered by the ABC Carolinas, this initiative merges competition-based learning, hands-on credentialing, and immersive mobile workforce experiences to expand ABC's reach into schools and communities.

Join us in building the next generation of skilled trade professionals in the Carolinas.

Become a Sponsor

What We're Doing

Industry Aligned Curriculum & Micro-Credentials

Focused on Electrical, HVAC/Plumbing, Trades (Welding/Carpentry/Masonry), BIM/VDC/CAD and Project Management pathways
Delivered through short-form trade-specific curriculum, simulation-based challenges, structured team competitions, and digital micro-credentials aligned to industry standards

Gamified Skilled-Trade Competitions

Using the proven VESL infrastructure, we offer: team-based skill challenges, real industry scenarios, structured season model (9 weeks) and a State-level championship event
Students don't just "learn". They compete, build and earn credentials.

The ABC Trades Simulation Van (Mobile Skilled Trades Lab)

A fully outfitted, mobile immersive lab that brings trades directly to schools and communities by providing hands-on simulations, supporting employer activations, expanding ABC presence statewide and creates high-visibility community engagement

Help us bring skilled trades education to every school in the Carolinas.

Become a Sponsor

What Our Goals Are

Workforce Development

Build a sustainable high school → apprenticeship pipeline
Increase student awareness and interest of trade careers before graduation
Align directly to employer skill standards
Inspire the next generation of electricians, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and more, creating a robust pool of talented future workers in the skilled trades

Member Engagement

Direct student-to-employer interaction
Employer visibility inside VESL ecosystem

Brand Expansion

ABC activation in schools statewide
Branded Sim Van at community events
Media storytelling across digital and live events

Scalability

Expand across the Carolinas
Repeatable season model
Sustainable annual cycle

How We're Doing So Far

Pilot phase results

50+

NC schools participated

260+

NC students engaged

325+

Challenge submissions

As of March 1, 2026

Your sponsorship directly funds curriculum, competitions, and the Sim Van.

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Timeline

Phase 1: Build & Design

Now

Curriculum and micro-credential development
Competition framework design
Sim Van fabrication & outfitting (Phase 1)
Employer advisory input

Phase 2: Season Launch

Spring

Launch skilled trades pathway inside VESL season
9 week gamified trade competition
ABC-branded content & storytelling
Sim Van on-site school activations

Phase 3: Statewide Activation & Expansion

Coming Soon

State Championship integration
Employer recruitment pipeline alignment
Regional expansion strategy
Data reporting & impact measurement

Ready to Make an Impact?

Partner with ABC Carolinas and VESL to build the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Your sponsorship creates real pathways to real careers.

Become a Sponsor

Build the Carolinas

Building tomorrow's skilled trades.

Join us in building the next generation of skilled trade professionals in the Carolinas.

Become a Sponsor